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Science News for February 17, 2026


Scientists develop a new method to decode how DNA 'switches' control gene activity

Scientists developed a new technique called e2MPRA to study cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that control gene expression. The method combines enrichment with epigenomic profiling, enabling researchers to directly link what a CRE does with how it functions under identical conditions.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

3D-printing platform from MIT researchers rapidly produces complex electric machines

MIT researchers create a 3D-printing platform that can produce complex electric machines in minutes, overcoming challenges of multiple functional materials. The platform enables the fabrication of customized electronic components with less waste, revolutionizing manufacturing and opening doors to new applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalVirtual and Physical Prototyping·DateFeb 17, 2026

A clearer future: Researchers unveil transparent, plastic-free wood

Scientists at The University of Osaka develop transparent, plastic-free wood without lignin or additives, showcasing the crucial role of cellulose microfibril skeleton alignment in achieving transparency. This breakthrough paves the way for sustainable transparent materials with applications in energy-efficient buildings and devices.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalMacromolecular Materials and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Achieving cross-coupling reactions of fatty amide reduction radicals via iridium-photorelay catalysis and other strategies

This method successfully solves the challenge of generating C,N,N-trialkyl α-amino radicals in aliphatic amides, enabling gram-scale reactions with low catalyst loadings. The reaction exhibits good functional group tolerance, making it suitable for late-stage modification of complex molecules.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Shorter may be sweeter: Study finds 15-second health ads can curb junk food cravings

A new Edith Cowan University study found that advertisements encouraging healthy choices can reduce cravings and intentions to consume unhealthy foods. In some cases, a 15-second message may be more effective than traditional 30-second commercials, especially for those with higher BMI categories.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalHealth Promotion Journal of Australia·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Mask-wearing during COVID-19 linked to reduced air pollution–triggered heart attack risk in Japan

A nationwide Japanese study of 270,000 patients found that widespread mask-wearing during the pandemic significantly lowered PM2.5-associated risk of MINOCA, a non-obstructive type of heart attack. The study suggests that simple protective measures like mask use can mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with air pollution.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Family relationships identified in Stone Age graves on Gotland

In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University clarified family relationships in four graves from a 5,500-year-old hunter-gatherer culture at Ajvide on Gotland. DNA analyses suggest that the people were well aware of family lineages and that relationships beyond the immediate family played an important role. The analysis showed that...

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2026

Organic soil amendments work together to help sandy soils hold water longer, study finds

A long-term field experiment shows that combining biochar with compost and sludge can improve how sandy soils retain water, reducing cumulative drainage by over 40%. The triple combination of biochar, sludge, and compost formed a more stable soil structure that retained water more effectively than any single amendment alone.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

An international team of astronomers led by UMass Amherst may have just found one of the missing links in galaxy evolution

A team of astronomers led by UMass Amherst has discovered a population of dusty, star-forming galaxies at the edge of the universe, formed 13 billion years ago. These galaxies are linked to ultrabright, young galaxies and massive quiescent galaxies, providing new insights into galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 17, 2026

Nanoparticle-based gene editing could expand treatment options for cystic fibrosis

UCLA researchers have developed a novel gene-editing approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver a full-length CFTR gene into human airway cells. The study shows promise for treating cystic fibrosis by correcting the underlying genetic mutation, which could lead to more effective and long-term therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 17, 2026

Nonprofit leader Diane Dodge to receive 2026 Penn Nursing Renfield Foundation Award for Global Women’s Health

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing will honor Diane Dodge with the 2026 Penn Nursing Renfield Foundation Award for her visionary leadership in addressing maternal health barriers. The award supports Tiba Foundation's efforts to scale the Boda Girls model, providing one million health services over five years.

Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

JMIR Publications’ JMIR Bioinformatics and Biotechnology invites submissions on Bridging Data, AI, and Innovation to Transform Health

The journal explores the convergence of computational biology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation, with a focus on precision medicine and enhanced patient care. Submissions are accepted from researchers, clinicians, and technologists on topics such as AI in medicine, computational genomics, and drug discovery.

New antibody–drug conjugate strategy to block HIV infection

Researchers developed antibody–drug conjugates that combine CD4 mimic and neutralizing antibodies to target HIV entry, showing seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. The strategy aims to block HIV before it enters the host cell, offering a more targeted therapeutic profile and potentially reducing adverse effects.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

New biomarker predicts chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers developed a new computational approach to predict chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer, outperforming current methods. The TmS biomarker accurately sorts patients into those with favorable or poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as an effective starting point for patient stratification.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2026

Treatment algorithms featured in Brain Trauma Foundation’s update of guidelines for care of patients with penetrating traumatic brain injury

The Brain Trauma Foundation has updated its guidelines for the care of patients with penetrating traumatic brain injury (pTBI) with new evidence-based recommendations and treatment algorithms. The guidelines aim to balance complexity with convenience for use during emergencies, providing practical flowcharts for clinicians.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateFeb 17, 2026

Over 40% of musicians experience tinnitus; hearing loss and hyperacusis also significantly elevated

A systematic review found that musicians experience substantially higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis compared to non-musicians. The study, which pooled data from 67 studies, revealed that 42.6% of musicians reported tinnitus, while 25.7% experienced hearing loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 17, 2026

Structural adaptations in aging podocytes

Research reveals that podocytes in aged rats adapt by increasing volume and forming atypical junctions to compensate for loss, while exporting unnecessary cellular components into the extracellular space. The study employed array tomography to elucidate age-related structural changes, shedding light on the mechanisms of aging glomeruli.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Retelling the Jomon story

Researchers used mitochondrial DNA from 13 Jomon skeletons to examine population changes over time, finding a significant increase in eastern Japan between 13,000 and 8,000 years ago. This study suggests regional factors, such as climate and food resources, played a role in shaping the Jomon population history.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAnthropological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

REM sleep supports equine motivation and learning

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that short periods of REM sleep impair horses' perseverance and performance in demanding learning tasks. Horses with longer REM sleep duration performed better in a reverse learning test, suggesting that REM sleep is associated with motivation and perseverance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2026

Psychology study: You can teach an old dog new tricks

A psychology study found that social and emotional skills training benefits both younger and older adults equally. The study showed that participants in their twenties and those between 60-80 years old demonstrated similar improvements in emotional stability and extraversion after an eight-week personality intervention program.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2026

Early puberty may increase the risk of poor mental wellbeing and higher consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

A new study from Aarhus University finds that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of psychiatric medication. Girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions compared to their peers.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

How forest conversion can harm dung beetles

A study found that forest conversion harm dung beetles by increasing temperatures and drying out the ground, making it hostile for them. The key species, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, is particularly affected, with its population declining as temperatures rise.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

New research: No trace of DMT in the rat brain’s serotonin system

A new study by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has found no evidence of naturally occurring DMT in the adult rat brain, even when its breakdown was inhibited. The study used highly sensitive methods to detect trace substances and examined whether administered DMT could be stored in serotonin neurons.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalNeuropharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery shows promise for pancreatic cancer

A new UCLA study found that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for some patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. The combination treatment helped patients live long enough to reach surgery, shrank tumors, and produced encouraging survival outcomes.

Novel framework addresses the importance of buildings as a physical determinant of health

A new framework, BPR-LTC, integrates scientific research and bioethics into architectural planning for long-term care spaces. This approach aims to improve the health and well-being of residents by systematically incorporating evidence-based design principles.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

Renewable biological catalyst carries the potential to transform wastewater into phosphorus resource

Researchers developed a process to convert phytate into bioavailable phosphate using a biocatalyst, improving phosphorus recycling efficiency. The method uses engineered yeast cells displaying the enzyme phytase, which can efficiently and stably convert organic phosphorus into usable phosphate.

Chinese Medical Journal article review explores mitophagy in breast cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic applications

Researchers review the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy in breast cancer, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. The study suggests that strategic modulation of mitophagy can enhance personalized treatment approaches for BC.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 17, 2026

Eyes affect our perception of a humanoid robot’s mind

Researchers at Tampere University found that humanoid robots perceived as having eyes exhibit greater agency and experience, evoking emotional responses and increasing empathy. This suggests that the presence of eyes shapes human perception of a robot's mind, with implications for design and ethics.

SourceTampere University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateFeb 17, 2026

C-reactive protein is closely related to cardiac repolarization in patients with coronary artery disease in contrast to patients with cirrhosis

A new study reveals that C-reactive protein is associated with ventricular arrhythmias in stable coronary disease, while its relationship with heart rhythms is different in patients with cirrhosis. In cirrhosis, only high white blood cell count shows a trend for linking to unstable rhythms.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBulgarian Society of Medical Sciences Journal·DateFeb 17, 2026

New AI model could cut the costs of developing protein drugs

MIT researchers used a large language model to optimize the genetic sequences of proteins manufactured by yeast, reducing production costs. The new model predicted which codons would work best for manufacturing six different proteins, including human growth hormone and a monoclonal antibody, with successful results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2026

Expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies — now expired — drove major increases in marketplace health insurance enrollment across key groups

Enrollment among eligible individuals increased by 27.5% after subsidy expansion, with gains seen among children 18 and under, Black and Hispanic individuals, part-time workers, and rural residents. The study found that 7.8 million enrollees retained marketplace coverage over the 2021-2022 period

Demonstration of massive connectivity for the 6G era

Researchers at NICT successfully demonstrated simultaneous communications with 10 devices using a hybrid signal processing method combining quantum annealing and classical computing. This breakthrough addresses the massive connectivity requirements of 6G networks, enabling real-time detection for up to 60,000 possible signal combinations.

Why Triceratops has such a big nose

Researchers from the University of Tokyo used CT scans to study Triceratops' nasal anatomy, revealing a specialized structure called a respiratory turbinate. This unique feature helped regulate temperature and moisture levels in the dinosaur's large skull.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Researchers from UPF and 3D-Shaper Medical take a great leap towards predicting and preventing the risk of hip fracture related to osteoporosis

Researchers from UPF and 3D-Shaper Medical developed a new computational system to predict and prevent the risk of hip fracture among people with osteoporosis. The system, which simulates the functioning of hip bone tissue using 3D images and finite elements modeling, has been shown to be a robust alternative to current clinical methods.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Clinical Densitometry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2026

A “smart fluid” you can reconfigure with temperature

Scientists create a porous silica microrod material that can form dense dispersions in nematic liquid crystals, overcoming the challenge of strong surface anchoring. This enables the reconfigurable self-assembly of micrometer-sized particles, opening up new possibilities for optical and biomedical applications.

Is it possible to cut CO2 emissions from European agriculture by 40 per cent?

A recent study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that optimizing production in fertile areas while allowing less productive areas to lie fallow can cut greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, food production can be maintained while reducing pressure on biodiversity by up to 20%.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

Government censorship of Chinese chatbots

Researchers found Chinese chatbots more likely to refuse or provide inaccurate responses to sensitive questions about politics, while non-Chinese models offered longer, more accurate answers. The study suggests the source of this issue cannot be explained solely by training data or model development choices.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 17, 2026

Wiley to expand Advanced Portfolio

Wiley is launching eight new Advanced journals in life, health and social sciences disciplines by the end of 2026. The expansion aims to empower scientists with a streamlined publishing approach, reflecting Wiley's commitment to accelerating science that addresses humanity's most pressing challenges.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 17, 2026

A yeast enzyme helps human cells overcome mitochondrial defects

A yeast enzyme, Sc URA, has been found to sustain nucleotide synthesis independently of mitochondrial respiration in human cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating mitochondrial diseases with no cure, and could provide a valuable experimental tool for understanding rare diseases and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Tropical forests generate rainfall worth billions, study finds

A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2026

Admissions for child maltreatment decreased during first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, but ICU admissions increased later

Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Rhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria

Kobe University scientists have engineered bacteria to produce a group of compounds with promising pharmacological activities. The breakthrough uses a rational design strategy to create a platform for industrial production of drug candidates.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026